Far from the bustling beaches and sun-drenched coastline, Lefkada’s mountain villages offer a quieter, more authentic side of island life. Tucked into the island’s lush interior, these timeless settlements are rich in tradition, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. The villages have so far escaped the development that rings the coast, and for those seeking peace and beauty are better for it. These villages are real, not fake or varnished.
For decades these villages suffered ‘erimosis’ or abandonment – largely a legacy of the troubled mid-20th century. In some villages this was almost total leaving ghost villages and stone shells. However, today you are witnessing renewal. The old stone houses are gradually being restored. This preserves the islands unique architectural heritage and ensures these historic communities have a future to match their past.
Villages like Karya, Eglouvi, Alexandros and Syvros welcome visitors with narrow stone streets, wild flowers, and panoramic views stretching from olive groves to the Ionian Sea. Karya is especially known for its lace-making tradition and vibrant village square, while Eglouvi is famed for growing the island’s celebrated lentils—harvested on the high plateau of Agios Donatos. Syvros has its watermills and waterfalls, Alexandros and Kolyvata their traditional houses.
Time is slow in these highland hamlets. Enjoy local tavernas serving home-cooked dishes, hike quiet trails that wind through oak and pine forests, and witness everyday life as it has been lived for generations.
Whether you’re a nature lover, history enthusiast, or just seeking a peaceful escape, the mountain villages of Lefkada are a soulful journey into the island’s heart.
